200 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



Banks. Whether there was anything of the nature of 

 reproach on his part, we can but guess. The following 

 letter seems to show Sir William somewhat in an attitude 

 of defence. The unconsecrated union with Emma 

 Lyon had now existed some time. Banks, who belonged 

 to a class of persons whose propriety was unimpeachable, 

 but who were not willing to quarrel with others whose 

 notions were less strict, as long as the outward decencies 

 were observed, had evidently suggested marriage. Sir 

 William was greatly attached to him, and bore with good 

 humour this friendly interference. The question being 

 raised, however, Banks had the pleasure of welcoming his 

 friend in London in the following year. The marriage 

 took place in September, 1791, at Marylebone church. 



" NAPLES, April 6, 1790. 



". . .To answer your question fairly : was I in a private 

 station, I should have no objection that Emma should 

 share with me le petit bout de vie qui me reste, under the 

 solemn covenant you allude to ; as her behaviour in my 

 house has been such for four years as to gain her universal 

 esteem and approbation. But, as I have no thought of 

 relinquishing my employment, and whilst I am in a public 

 character, I do not look upon myself at liberty to act as I 

 please ; and such a step I think would be imprudent and 

 might be attended with disagreeable circumstances. 

 Besides, as amidst other branches of Natural History I 

 have not neglected the animal woman, I have found them 

 subject to great changes according to circumstances, 

 and I do not like to try experiments at my time of life. 

 In the way we live we give no scandal ; she with her 

 mother, and I in my apartment, and we have a good 

 society. What, then, is to be gained on my side ? It is 

 very natural for her to wish it, and to try to make the 

 people believe the business done, which I suppose has 



